Black Rock five form new studio

A new independent outfit has formed from five former developers at Disney’s defunct racing studio Black Rock.

Brighton-based West Pier Studio is founded by Vassos Shiarlis, Craig Gabell, Joe Palmer, Dominic Jackson and Huw Bowles (all pictured).

“Historically focused on triple-A console development, the West Pier directors are making the jump over to online and mobile games,” read a statement from the company.

“We believe the industry is changing so fast that only those adapted to rapid, agile development for emerging platforms can take full advantage.”

Data on the new studio’s website suggests the teams are working on various digital platforms such as iOS, Android, Facebook, PSN and XBLA. The group is also considering work on new hardware such as PS Vita and Wii U.

“We’ve established ourselves as a pioneer in innovative game-play, West Pier Studio will primarily focusing on our own IP, but will also look to leverage our combined knowledge, and expertise as a work for hire studio,” the group said.

Disney closed Black Rock Studio in September. The UK studio was originally founded in 1998 as Pixel Planet.

[Obituary: Black Rock Studio]